Vero Beach FL News | A Treasure Trove of Bliss

Published on January 11, 2019

As the harsh winter temperatures invade most of the country, there are a few places that offer a warm escape during the season. One of our favorite spots can be found in Vero Beach frequently named one of the top retirement cities in Florida. Known as the “Treasure Coast”, this area was once inhabited by only wildlife, mosquitoes and hostile Indians. Today the town is a radiant mecca of exquisite homes, five-star restaurants, beautiful beaches, rich culture and is found in Indian River County. In fact it is ranked as Florida’s 6th wealthiest county.

Vero Beach is located on the Atlantic coast and has a rich history that dates back to 1715. Nicknamed the “Treasure Coast” after a Spanish fleet of 11 ships capsized during a major hurricane while enroot from Havana, Cuba carrying loads of gold, silver and expensive jewelry, the waters surrounding the beaches became a place to seek the treasures left behind. Fifteen hundred survived and made it to the shoreline who became the first people to discover this coastal retreat. Even today gold seekers mine the beaches and ocean for the estimated 400 to 700 million dollars of goods that remain near the Sebastian Inlet in Vero Beach.

However, it is the natural treasures that can be found in Vero Beach that makes this city a premier location to live. The climate is ideal year-round allowing outdoor entertainment throughout the seasons providing endless activities for families of all ages to enjoy. Add impressive waterfront homes, impeccable dining options, water sports, white sandy beaches and rich cultural events and the equation is complete for the perfect place to enjoy resort- style living near the beach.

There are three main public beaches to visit in Vero Beach; South Beach, Humiston Park and Joyce Park which combined provide 30 miles of unspoiled white sand and spectacular views of glistening ocean tides and coral reefs that are surrounded with exotic wildlife that inhabit the region. Easy access to the ocean is provided at the Vero Beach City Marina. The city also features plenty of landscaped walking trails, an old-world boardwalk complete with restaurants, tiki bars and shops as well as two pristine ocean front parks to enjoy a spectacular sunset after a brisk walk in the sand along the glistening sea. The Treasure Coast consists of the area from Palm Beach County north to the Space Coast which includes Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties. Shielded from the Atlantic Ocean by narrow sandbars and barrier islands, numerous lakes and rivers make their course through the Treasure Coast, notably the infamous Indian River. There are many beaches to explore in Vero Beach and the Treasure coast. Here are the beaches found on the Treasure Coast:

North Treasure Coast Beaches – Indian River County

• Sebastian Inlet State Park – Surfing and Snorkeling are popular here.

• Half-Reale Beach – Known for treasure hunting.

• Wabasso Beach Park – Surfing is the scene at this beach.

• Treasure Shores – Sea shell hunting is the norm.

• Golden Sands - Also popular spot for sea shell exploration.

• Round Island Oceanfront Park – Family friendly beach.

• Riomar Beach – Snorkeling paradise and diving at Riomar Reef.

• Vero Beach/Jaycee Park – A great place for the family to have fun.

• South Beach Park – Also a great place for surfing.

• Seagrape Beach – Another great location for treasure hunting.

• Turtle Trail – Treasure hunting is popular at the beach.

Indian River County has 30 miles of oceanfront shoreline with public access trails and beach walkways at Riomar Beach, Sea Cove, Sea Grape Trail, Sexton Plaza and Turtle Trail for the convenience of beach goers seeking to curl their toes in the sand.

In addition to beach time, there is plenty to do in the city of Vero Beach. The city is literally covered with sea turtles meticulously hand-painted on the buildings throughout downtown. There are over 200 amazing restaurants featuring fresh local seafood, café creations and top-end nationally recognized chains. The finer things in life are earned and a reward to be enjoyed in retirement years. Where else can you enjoy a seaside dinner with a fine glass of wine enjoying the sun setting over the Atlantic than at the amazing beach community found in Vero Beach. Downtown is a collection of unique boutiques, breweries, live theatre, art galleries and museums that keep discerning residents entertained complementing the sophisticated seaside lifestyle found here.

For cultural enrichment, the $2.5 million Riverside Theatre is an awesome place to catch “off Broadway” performances, comedy and interesting lectures that entice the community to stay engaged while enjoying some awesome education and stimulating entertainment. Music lovers enjoy the outdoor concerts held on the grounds between the austere Vero Beach Art Museum and the Riverside Theatre held throughout the year. Considered one of the “100 Best Art Towns in America”, the Vero Beach Art Club is highly engaged with over 600 active members. There are awesome local artists and art walks for locals to enjoy the great display of works created in this magical town. The First Friday Gallery Stroll is held every first Friday from 5 to 8pm in the historic downtown district of Vero Beach. This happening event features galleries and select businesses that exhibit new works of art from local artists. The stroll runs from 14th Avenue from 19th Street to 23rd and is a popular way to enjoy a warm weather starlit evening while bonding with friends and neighbors in this friendly chic seaport town.

In addition to the art classes and exhibitions at The Vero Beach Museum of Art, The Riverside Theatre hosts events throughout year including theatrical performances, dance ensembles, comedy club and FREE live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Another great spot to enjoy live entertainment is the Sunset Theatre. There is never a dull moment in this happening town.

With average winter temperatures in the mid 60’s, fishing is popular at the Sebastian Inlet State Park one of the favorite past times enjoyed by residents. Here anglers enjoy catching Snook, Bluefish, Grouper, Snapper and Spanish mackerel. No matter what time of year, fishing is a great sport and resource for a fish fry with fellow friends and neighbors. Golfing is another popular way to spend the day in Vero Beach as there are many superior courses that can be found here. Most of the gated communities scattered throughout the region offer onsite award-winning golf courses for residents to enjoy the favorable year-round temperatures.

Water sports abound in this seaside community. For active residents, there is paddle-boarding, wind-surfing, kayaking on the Indian River, or sailing, scuba diving, fishing at the ocean and for true adventure seekers, surfing at Sebastian Inlet considered one of the best spots to “catch a wave” on the coast of Florida. This is where Kelly Slater and CJ Hobgood started their careers and is one of the best spots to practice this athletic sport. Baby Boomers love to captivate the energy found living near the beach, from a morning workout to an evening stroll in the sand to a moonlit dinner looking over the ocean, these are memories created daily in this captivating resort town. Enjoy fresh seafood and a crisp glass of wine at one of the many local eateries found waterfront at the historic Boardwalk by the sea in Vero Beach.

Besides water activities, golfing, treasure hunting and sitting on beautiful beaches, there is wide array of cultural activities, awesome dining, and museums that make this city special. There are two awesome museums for both tourists and residents to discover the rich history associated with living in Vero Beach. Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum was opened by the world-famous treasure hunter in 1992 and features artifacts found from the 1715 Fleet of lost treasures. This museum is quite interesting and is located at 1322 US Highway 1 in Sebastian. Another spot to explore, is the McLarty Treasure Museum operated by Sebastian Inlet State Park on A1A south, which is “actually” the site of the 1715 Spanish Fleet demise. This is a great preservation of the history of Vero Beach and well worth the journey.

Another great resource found for active seniors, Lifelong Learning Centers at the Vero Beach Museum of Art offers a wide variety of art courses that provide educational enrichment. For staying fit both physically and mentally, the Indian County Main Library offers fitness classes, line dancing, writing classes and book clubs. The Indian River Recreation Department is yet another resource for mental and physical stimulation as they offer computer classes, fitness, quilting and gardening courses to name a few. They have lots of options that are announced each month in their Senior Bulletin Board Newsletter.

Boaters love exploring the coast and the ocean made easy with access to the Intracoastal via the Vero Beach City Marina downtown. The Indian River is also a great way to explore the tropical scenery and exotic wildlife while kayaking along the river. Jet-skiing and sailing are also popular with locals and are activities that keep residents healthy, engaged and entertained throughout the seasons. After a workout on the river, there are some awesome seafood eateries and waterfront tiki bars to enjoy a glorious sunset in this captivating seaport town. Vero Beach is quickly becoming the hot spot to retire for discerning Baby Boomers.

Medical and Health Care are readily available in Vero Beach. The Indian River Medical Center, partnered with the Duke University Health Systems, specializes in health care and was voted the #1 heart program in Florida by Florida Magazine. This award-winning facility has 335 beds and 41 specialties including a state-of-the-art Cancer Center. Sebastian River Medical Center is a 166-bed medical facility with an excellent reputation. The Center recently completed a $25 million expansion near Orchid Island and specializes in spine surgery, implant devices and heart care. Having access to great medical care is a priority in retirement and Vero Beach provides excellent resources.

Vero Beach represents rich history and sophistication. Classic older Floridian homes and upscale oceanfront estates can be found in the exquisite neighborhoods surrounding this upscale community. January is the wonderful time of the year to plan a trip to explore the impressive housing options available. We're happy to share our list of best Vero Beach neighborhoods.

If you’re exploring the Treasure Coast for the first time, be sure to ask for our complimentary Vero Beach relocation information or call anytime.